Hiking to Las Trampas Peak is a nice, hill climbing workout. What's really nice is that when you reach the peak, you can enjoy a snack or lunch under a beautiful Oak and take in some spectacular views.
This is the Oak at the top of Las Trampas Peak. It's a beauty that will give you some nice shade and a place to contemplate.This park gets crowded, but crowded in a big park like this means you might see a few people on the trails. There are a few well traveled paths, and a number of the trails are equestrian friendly. I probably passed about 15 people, a trail record for me. It was nice to see so many people enjoying themselves on this beautiful day.
Take Hwy 680 to the Crow Canyon Road/San Ramon exit (in San Ramon) and travel west on Crow Canyon Road. Go Right on to Bollinger Canyon Road and go 4.5 miles to the very end of the road. There is a parking area on your left that gets filled early on beautiful weekend mornings. I got a spot, but people soon started parking on the dirt by the side of the road. There is a toilet there, but bring water.
Mileage: 4.5 miles
Route:
Chamise Trail
Left on to Las Trampas Ridge Trail
You'll pass through a gate to the last little climb to Las Trampas Peak
Backtrack to the Las Trampas Ridge Trail/Bollinger Creek Trail Split, and follow the Bollinger Creek trail back to the parking area.
From the parking area, walk back on Bollinger Canyon Road until you see this gate (about 500'):
I noticed a lot of cows on this adventure, so please close the gate. As you can see, this is the Chamise Trail, and this is where you'll start your hike. The first part here is a quick climb, so you'll quickly get your heart rate up as you climb this switchback. Looking back to your left as you climb, you'll see some nice views of rolling hills and the trails that start at the parking area.
You'll see signs for other trails, but stay on the Chamise Trail as it switches back through some thick shrubs that reach out to say hello.
I was passed by a couple of equestrians enjoying the climb, and it was a pretty sight.
There was a canyon to my right, with some interesting rock formations. Above the canyon, hawks were circling, and I could just imaging the same scene 500 years ago.
Soon, you'll be at the marker for the Las Trampas Ridge Trail. Take a left here, and you'll be on your way to Las Trampas Peak.
This image will give you an idea of how high you've climbed so far:
Las Trampas Ridge Trail takes you through some nice canopies. You'll see some Oaks, Bay Trees and a whole variety of twisty shrubs and grasses.
This Madrone cluster was spectacular.
The trail opens up, and you'll be enjoying nice views along the ridge line.
Eventually, you'll get to the sign for Las Trampas Peak, and it's a short climb from here to the top.
Take a break here to enjoy the views and rest. You deserve it, you just climbed to the summit of Las Trampas Peak, at 1827'.
After you enjoy yourself, turn around and backtrack down Las Trampas Ridge Trail to the split with Bollinger Creek Loop Trail, and bear right here.
Follow the Bollinger Creek Loop Trail past the cows and through the hills.
This last descent is a nice change from your uphill climb, so enjoy it. There isn't much shade along the way in this section, so protect yourself. On the descent, you'll pass another section of the Las Trampas Ridge Trail, but stay on the Bollinger Creek Loop Trail, bearing left, until you get to the parking area.
Monday, March 12, 2012 at 7:45PM 
This is the Oak at the top of Las Trampas Peak. It's a beauty that will give you some nice shade and a place to contemplate.This park gets crowded, but crowded in a big park like this means you might see a few people on the trails. There are a few well traveled paths, and a number of the trails are equestrian friendly. I probably passed about 15 people, a trail record for me. It was nice to see so many people enjoying themselves on this beautiful day.
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